On Centre's Rs 1.13-Lakh-Crore Fuel, Urban Infra Will Drive India

As far as making ambitious plans for the urban development of the country are concerned, India is pro-active. Looking at umpteen projects launched by the present dispensation, including the Smart City Mission, the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Swachh Bharat Mission, it is safe to assume that the government is serious about the redevelopment of its cities.

But, here comes the tricky part — its implementation.

Many a grand plan that took off with much fanfare did not see the light of day because of faulty implementation. On the other hand, many others failed to reach that stage. Tossed between lack of funds or red-tape, they fall flat right before the process to implement them begins.

Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu's announcement that the Centre is going to release Rs 1.13 lakh-crore for effective implementation of its projects till 2018-19 ignites the hope that ambitious plans on urban infrastructure may actually shape into reality.

The government is trying to deal with delays using money.

“The pace and scale of project and investment approvals have increased manifold since 2015, with the central government approving an assistance of Rs.1.84 lakh crore ... These are the early gains of urban renaissance in the country,” Naidu told the media.

While much would depend on how effectively these funds are utilised in realising India's urban dream, it does seem like a good start.